‘Think-big mayor’ a tireless advocate for the city
Don Atchison’s record-setting stint in Saskatoon’s top job had just begun when he was dubbed “Canada’s craziest mayor.”
After his 13-year run as mayor came to an end Wednesday, he was remembered as a tireless worker who loved his community and ushered Saskatoon into a new era of growth.
Atchison was named the nation’s “craziest” mayor in 2004 by comedian Rick Mercer. He earned the dubious distinction for suggesting a dome be built over parts of downtown Saskatoon, and for a brief policy requiring formal attire for people visiting the mayor’s office.
He relented quickly on the dress code, but never stopped dreaming his big dreams.
“He was a think-big mayor,” Kent Smith-Windsor, executive director of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, remarked in an interview on Thursday.
Smith-Windsor, who has led the chamber since 1996, credited Atchison with being “future-oriented” and earning a high level of confidence from the business community. “He’s probably been the hardestworking mayor we’ve had in my time with the chamber.”
After three straight successful re-election bids, Atchison lost Saskatoon’s mayoral race to veteran councillor Charlie Clark on Wednesday. Clark got 41 per cent to Atchison’s 37 per cent. Kelley Moore finished third with 22 per cent.
The 63-year-old former pro hockey goalie declined to comment on his legacy during a brief appearance at city hall on election night to concede defeat. He could not be reached for comment on Thursday, and cancelled scheduled appearances on morning broadcast shows.
Prof. Joe Garcea, who teaches political studies at the University of Saskatchewan, noted Atchison led city council through an economic boom and investments in key infrastructure projects.
Coun. Mairin Loewen, who was re-elected in Ward 3 on Wednesday, said Atchison oversaw a shift in Saskatoon’s size and attitude.
Atchison took pride in establishing relationships with higher levels of government and saw this as key to securing money for strategic infrastructure projects.
Garcea said he sees Atchison’s reign as an era of “substantial development.”
Coun. Ann Iwanchuk, who was re-elected to represent Ward 3 on Wednesday, also praised Atchison.
“He championed the city,” she said. “He raised the bar for Saskatoon across Canada with his work with higher levels of government.”
Some of the key infrastructure projects built with money from three levels of government include three new bridges, a new police station, and a new civic operations centre. They also includes the controversial and over-budget Remai Modern art gallery, completion of which has been delayed until next year.
Those six projects alone total more than $1 billion.
Garcea noted Atchison still received nearly 30,000 votes, showing he maintained substantial support in the city.
“He had a missionary zeal about serving Saskatoon, and commitment to the cause,” Garcea said. “There’s no doubt that Mayor Atchison was very proud of the city. He was a proud booster of the city.”
His love for the city may explain why he seemed so devastated by Wednesday’s loss.
“He was convinced the citizens were completely devoted to him, as well,” Garcea said.
Atchison was first elected as a city councillor in 1994; he won a four-way race for mayor in 2003.
Garcea noted Atchison had his detractors, too, adding the sense that someone else could do a better job likely led to his defeat.
Atchison took heat for repeatedly skipping the annual Pride Parade, while he bragged about attending 1,200 events a year. He was criticized during the campaign by both of his main opponents for questioning statistics that show a high crime rate in Saskatoon.
He boasted frequently that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) named Saskatoon’s attainable housing program the No. 1 such program in Canada. CMHC says it has never ranked such programs, but did recognize Saskatoon’s efforts in the area with a “best practice” designation.
Loewen agreed with Atchison’s brief comments on Wednesday night that history will determine his legacy.
However, his approach to the job may be unmatched.
“Don has had just unbelievable energy for his job,” Loewen said. “He’s just an incredibly hard-working person and has been very dedicated to the role of mayor.”